Linking in a Structural Model

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

This is a very basic question but I'm still learning 🙂

I have an MEP model open and an Architectural model linked in. I have acquired the coordinated from the Architectural model and done the rest of the steps to set this part up correctly. I now need to link in the Structural model but not entirely sure what the process for this is.

Could someone be so kind as to outline the necessary steps to do this please? I'm not sure if I should be acquiring/publishing shared coordinates; copy/monitoring both levels and grids etc.

Your time and help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[m.voss.alvine]

all you should have to do is link in the structural model, origin to origin.  Structural should have their model based off of the architects model also.

[Anonymous]

Great! Thanks Mitchell.

Do I need to copy/monitor the levels and grids too o rjust double check everything is aligned as it should be?

[Anonymous]

This should be documented in the BEP for the project so the entire supply chain uses the same process to align and coordinate the files. The BIM lead for the project should prepare and provide the ‘datum’ this is the base for acquiring or publishing the coordinates, this file establishes
the levels and grid,
set's true north
sets project north for the project
and should be used to copy then monitor the grids and levels for each model file to ensure the entire project is coordinated.
If the Structural model is sharing the coordinates you should link using shared coordinates option
You should ask the structural supplier if their model is set to the shared coordinates (it should be!).
If the structural file is not using the shared coordinates you can link via centre to centre or origin to origin and then move/locate to the correct location in plan and correct height in section/elevation. Each and every time you link a new structural file you will need to repeat this process which is time consuming and abortive. You should then ask the structure team to acquire the coordinates from the datum file. The future nesting is easy as you would then load via the shared coordinate option and the location would automatically be correct.
Hope this helps

[m.voss.alvine]

mike, it depends on who is in charge of the grids.  it can vary from project to project.  If structural is in charge of grids, copy/monitor from structural.  if the architect is charge, copy/monitor grids from architectural.  don't copy/monitor both.

then just do a visual check to verify.  check both plan view and in elevation.

if this helps, please  'accept as solution'